Get prepped
What You Need to Know
A colonoscopy is an important test that helps prevent colon cancer. Being prepared is the key to a successful procedure.
What You Need to Know About Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an important test that helps prevent colon cancer. Being prepared is the key to a successful procedure. While the prep process may be uncomfortable, it’s essential for your doctor to get a clear view of your colon and detect any issues early.
If you’re 45 or older, or have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should schedule a routine colonoscopy.
What’s a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a medical test that checks the inside of your large intestine (colon) for any problems. A doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera to look inside your colon through your rectum.
Why Is a Colonoscopy Important?
Over time, small growths called polyps can form in your colon. These polyps can turn into cancer if not removed. A colonoscopy helps find and remove polyps before they become dangerous, making it the best way to prevent colon cancer.
What Happens During a Colonoscopy?
- You will receive medicine to help you relax and sleep.
- Your doctor will gently insert the camera tube into your rectum to check your colon.
- The procedure helps detect polyps, swelling, or other issues early, so they can be treated right away.
- Plan to be at the clinic for about 2 to 4 hours.
Why Do You Need Clean Bowels Before a Colonoscopy?
Your colon must be clean and empty so your doctor can see clearly. If your bowels are not clean, the doctor may miss something important, and you may need to repeat the test.
How to Prepare for Your Colonoscopy
- Follow Your Bowel Prep Instructions
- Your doctor will give you a special drink (laxative) to empty your bowels.
- Expect to use the bathroom frequently during this process.
- Follow a Clear Liquid Diet
- Drink only clear liquids the day before your test.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Plan for the Day of Your Colonoscopy
- You must have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
- Your driver must stay at the hospital the whole time.
- Check Your Medications
- If you take blood thinners (like Coumadin, Pradaxa, Eliquis, or Plavix), ask your doctor if you should stop them before your test.
- If you take diabetes medication, do not take it on the morning of your colonoscopy. If you use long-acting insulin (Levemir), take half your usual dose.
Why Should You Have A Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy could save your life! It’s the best way to prevent colon cancer and keep your digestive system healthy. Following your prep instructions carefully and fully will help ensure a successful procedure.
Colonoscopy Prep Schedule
Getting ready for your colonoscopy means bowel prep. The bowel prep may not be fun, but it’s very important. A clean and empty bowel helps your doctor see clearly and makes your colonoscopy successful.
Here’s what you need to do starting one week before your appointment. You can also download this printable guide (Spanish guide) and watch this educational video.
7 DAYS BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY
- STOP taking iron tablets, vitamins, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®), also Celebrex®, Metamucil®, Imodium®, Lomotil®, fiber supplements, and herbal medications (such as Vitamin D, Garlic, Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba).
- Tylenol is OK to take.
- Continue all prescribed medications unless your doctor tells you to stop.
5 DAYS BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY
- Pick up your GoLYTELY from your pharmacy.
- STOP eating these items until after your colonoscopy.
- Raw vegetables
- Leafy greens
- Vegetables with seeds
- Corn
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Dried fruit
- High-fiber foods
- Red meat
NIGHT BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY
You need to drink the entire container of GoLYTELY before your test. Once you begin, plan to stay home near a bathroom because you will need to poop often.
If the taste bothers you, try using a straw, making sure it is cold, walking around while you drink it, or drinking it slower.
At 6 PM, start drinking GoLYTELY:
- Drink one glass (at least 8 ounces) of GoLYTELY every 15 minutes until HALF of the gallon is gone.
You should start having watery bowel movements about 1 hour after you start drinking the medicine. This will continue for several hours.
You may continue drinking clear liquids along with the GoLYTELY until bedtime.
COLONOSCOPY DAY
Other than your GoLYTELY and a small sip of water to swallow medications, DO NOT eat or drink until your procedure is over.
- If your procedure is in the morning (8 AM to NOON)
- Wake up at 3 AM and drink the remaining half-gallon of GoLYTELY. Have one glass every 15 minutes until the container is empty.
- You should finish by 5 AM.
- If your procedure is in the afternoon (NOON to 4 PM)
- Wake up at 6 AM and drink the remaining half-gallon of GoLYTELY. Have one glass every 15 minutes until the container is empty.
- You should finish by 8 AM.
- Arrive at Grady at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
By now, your GoLYTELY container should be EMPTY, and your bowel movements should be either clear liquid or clear yellow liquid. This means your colon is clean, and you are ready for your test.
You may have a small sip of water to help take your blood pressure or other necessary medications.
Patients on Blood Thinners: Please connect with our Anticoagulation Clinic the morning of your procedure to have an INR drawn. Bring the results with you to the appointment.
Patients with Diabetes: Do not take diabetes pills on the morning of your colonoscopy. If you normally take a long-acting insulin (Insulin Detemir or Levemir) in the morning, take only half of your usual morning dose.
1 DAY BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY
- Mix Your Bowel Prep
Mix your GoLYTELY with water. Follow the instructions included with the container.
We recommend adding 2–3 tablespoons of lemon-flavored Crystal Light or Country Time lemonade mix. Do not use any RED or PURPLE colored flavor mixes.
Place your mixed GoLYTELY in the refrigerator. - Begin A Clear Liquid Diet
DO NOT eat solid food, drink milk, or any red/purple foods or drinks.
Drink water to prevent thirst. Staying hydrated helps the GoLYTELY clean your colon.
Drink clear liquids ONLY throughout the entire day. Do not drink RED or PURPLE colored liquids. Do not drink alcohol. Clear liquids include water, apple juice, white grape juice, 7-Up, Sprite, Ginger Ale, clear broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable), Jell-O, or popsicles. You may have tea and coffee without cream.
Patients with Diabetes: Take your Diabetes pills and morning insulin shot as you normally would. If you normally take a long-acting insulin (Insulin Detemir or Levemir) in the evening, take only half of your usual evening dose. Check your blood sugar more often.